Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 March 2015
236. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider revising the system of speeding fines and consider introducing graduated fines for infringements of the limits at the lower levels and larger fines and penalty points being reserved for those doing reckless and dangerous speed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9596/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, one of the main causes of road crashes on Irish roads is excessive and inappropriate speed. My Department, in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána and other stakeholders, is continuing to examine this area to identify measures that can be taken to bring about future reductions in fatalities and serious injuries.
The main goal of the penalty point system is to make drivers more aware of unsafe driving behaviour and by doing so, improve that behaviour. As I explained to the Deputy, in response to a similar Question put to me in February last, I have no plans in the near future to change the current system in relation to speeding offences. In fact, the last revision increased the number of penalty points for speeding offences. However, I will keep the Deputy's suggestion in mind when the penalty point offences are next reviewed.
